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The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has accused senior leaders of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) and the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church of embracing corruption through alleged questionable donations from President Hakainde Hichilema and the ruling UPND.
FDD Spokesperson, Anthony Chibuye, said the party had observed what he described as a growing alliance between senior church leaders and the ruling establishment to receive “corrupt” funds.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Chibuye urged ordinary members of the UCZ and SDA to “rise to the occasion” and defend the long-standing integrity and legacy of their churches.
He said both churches have historically maintained reputations for undertaking major projects funded exclusively by ordinary congregants from communities such as Kabushi, Kantanshi, Kamitondo, Kawama, Kamirenda, and Kapiri.
“It is therefore worrying that the top leadership of the UCZ and SDA Church have apparently embraced corruption from Hakainde Hichilema, against the will of us ordinary members who belong to various partisanships,” he said.
Chibuye further alleged that President Hichilema and the UPND had suddenly become “generous givers” to the two churches, questioning the motive behind the donations.
He also criticized the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for what he called inaction on the matter.
“And they want to become busy when President Hichilema leaves office next year. Our dear brothers in the Anti-Corruption Commission, be advised that your failure to act on UPND corruption will not be tolerated,” Chibuye said.
It is alleged that during the 60th Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Kabwe, President Hichilema had donated K1.2 million to support UCZ church activities and infrastructure.
Of the amount, K700,000 went to Kwacha East UCZ, K500,000 to Mindolo UCZ, while K100,000 was allocated to support the UCZ choir.
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